Exploring Earth’s Spheres, Divisions, and Resources for Environmental Understanding

08/18/2024

HW 01

1. Name the specific Earth science described by each of the following statements:
   a. This sciences deals with the dynamics of the oceans. -Oceanography.

b. This world literally means “the study of Earth.” -Geology.

c. An understanding of the atmosphere is the primary focus of this science. –The airspace or atmosphere is how weather and climate affect the Earth and its environment.

d. This science helps us understand Earth’s place in the universe- Science helps us collectively understand the Earth’s space and time environment. There is a relationship between human life and the functionality of our universe as we know it on Earth and in space.  

• List and briefly define the four “spheres” that constitute our environment

Hydrosphere- is the study of mass water movement that covers 71% of Earth by continuing moving.

Atmosphere– is the study of the sky and airspace, the layer of air, and the effect of weather and climate.

Biosphere– is the study of the ocean floor where no light has reached those depths to the surface. Studying this sphere teaches how various life forms and their existence live in our bodies of water.

Geosphere– is the study of what is beneath the atmosphere and biosphere, layering the cores of the Earth’s interior solid crust with the inner core.

• Name the three principal divisions of the solid Earth based on compositional differences. Which one is thinnest?

Core- iron and nickel/solid

Mantle- is less dense/high-density rock and solid

Crust- is low-density rock 7-70km, the thinnest beneath the oceans yet the thickness where continents exist.

• The oceans cover nearly __71%___ percent of Earth’s surface and contain about __96%___ percent of the planet’s total water supply.

• What are the two sources of energy for the Earth system?

Sun external process- We see the atmosphere from the ocean movement’s climate, weather, and hydrosphere generate energy.

Earth’s interior process below the surface, volcanoes and earthquakes are created from the interior core of the Earth’s center.

• Contrast renewable and nonrenewable resources. Give one or more examples of each.

Renewable energy is wind and solar energy, which is generated naturally. This helps replenish plants and trees for regrowth over time and helps the recycling process.

Nonrenewable energy resources are materials we use, such as coal or oil, that we extract from Earth; as we continue using nonrenewable energy, it will affect our environment and deplete our resources.

5. If the number of electrons in an atom is 35, and its mass number is 80, calculate the following:
a. the number of protons

35
b. the atomic number

35
c. the number of neutrons

            45

• If you found a glassy-appearing mineral while rock hunting and had hopes that it was a diamond, what simple test might help you to make a determination?

Determination is looking at the rock: luster(appearance of quality), color(characteristic of the mineral), streak(powdered form), shape(crystal shape or habit grows equally in all three dimensions), strength(hardness, cleavage, fracture, and tenacity).

• What are the two most common elements in Earth’s crust?

The two most common elements are the crust low-density and mantle high-density rock.

• List three nonsilicate minerals that are commonly found in rocks.

Gypsum

Calcite

Halite

1. Contrast a mineral resource and a mineral reserve.

The Earth is abundant in mineral resources that can be extracted, such as rocks from the Earth’s crust, which can be excavated and used to make countertops. When we set aside some of these extracted materials for future use, it is known as a mineral reserve. For example, the U.S. Government maintains a significant oil reserve.

Written by Greg MD